Was Lucas Torreira the most influential Premier League signing made last summer?

After yet another impressive performance in Arsenal’s north London derby win over Tottenham, it is clear just how big an impact Torreira has had on the Gunners midfield. It’s tricky to think of another arrival who has had such a big impact since the summer…

Arsenal supporters knew their club needed a player in the mould of Lucas Torreira but they could not have imagined the scale of the impact his arrival would have so quickly.

It is important not to overhype the Uruguayan while his career in English football is still in its fledgling stages – comparing his early success with the relative struggles of double title winner N’Golo Kante is premature – but assessing his impact by way of comparison to that of other summer arrivals seems fairer.

Has any other summer signing made by a Premier League club had a bigger impact on their club than Torreira so far? It’s difficult to think of any.

Jorginho, after dislodging the aforementioned Kante at the back of Chelsea’s midfield and setting the tempo of their midfield play, could lay claim but he has gone a little quiet of late.

(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Richarlison has given Everton’s attack a new dimension, but their improvement has been largely collective as opposed to driven by one individual.

Having Alisson between the sticks was perhaps the difference between Liverpool dropping points against their bitter rivals on Sunday and not.

But have any had a bigger impact than Torreira? It would be tough to argue that case and that’s why he has been such an instant hit at the Emirates Stadium.